kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612
DURHAM – A man was thrown 20 feet across a patio Tuesday night when a propane cylinder exploded as he grilled food at an apartment complex in West Durham.
The man, whose identity was not released, was transported to Duke University Hospital with minor injuries and was “recovering well” Wednesday, Durham Fire Department spokeswoman Sierra Jackson said.
Jackson said firefighters were called at 6:38 p.m. to the explosion at Station Nine Apartments, 2211 Hillsborough Road in Durham’s Ninth Street District. They learned that an apartment resident had been injured while trying to cook on the community grill.
Battalion Chief Craig Hoxie said in a report that the explosion happened in the courtyard area, which had an outdoor brick fireplace with two gas grills supplied by four propane cylinders.
Hoxie said the explosion sent the victim about 20 feet across the patio area, and the entire cooking station was destroyed “with brick and grill parts scattered all across the patio area.”
He said windows were broken at one apartment, but maintenance workers were at the scene making immediate repairs.
Hoxie said no tenants were displaced and there was no visible damage to the structure surrounding the courtyard area.
Fire officials said the explosion was an accident caused by trapped propane gas, but it was still being investigated Wednesday.
